As winter approaches, it is easy for educators to close the doors and keep the cold out. But by doing so, we are losing many valuable teaching moments and subconsciously giving children the message that only warm/dry weather is good and they can only be happy if the sun shines. Encouraging children to get wrapped up and go outside in all weathers builds resilience in children and will help them to understand that we can find happiness in every day, not just when the weather is good.

Changing the language that we use around children in relation to cold weather and the rain will help give children a positive outlook and encourage them to become excited with the different changes in the weather and seasons. Instead of saying ‘Oh no! It’s raining, we can’t go out today’, we can change our outlook and language and try saying something such as ‘How exciting! The rain has created lots of puddles for us to splash in today’.

The correct clothing will help in a huge way and is often the key to ensuring children (and adults) are happy to work and play outdoors in all weathers. I am sure you have heard the phrase ‘There’s no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing’. If children are kept warm with base layers, hats, gloves, scarves and waterproof outer layers, it will mean that they can play happily for extended periods of time outdoors. Choosing waterproofs that are easy to get on and off will give children ownership of accessing the outdoor area independently. Ponchos are perfect for placing over coats and jumpers as an easy way to keep dry in the rain. [Insert photo of child/children wearing ponchos].

During the summer months, children will happily sit on the ground and play. In winter, give a thought to the seating areas that are accessible to the children. Some don’t like to run and climb, but prefer to sit and take in their surroundings, read stories or talk with friends. Providing mats, waterproof cushions, benches and cosy spaces outside will give the children an opportunity to still do the things they enjoyed in the summer months and will provide a barrier between their bodies and the cold ground.

Keeping active outdoors is crucial in the colder months. Creating obstacle courses using stepping stones, crates, planks and items such as logs will keep children warm and physically active. Activities such as den building will also give the children a hands on, active task that they can work together to achieve. It builds up plenty of skills (that aren’t necessarily achieved during indoor tasks) such as confidence, collaboration, teamwork, and their gross and fine motor skills. Once the den is complete, it provides a shelter from the cold weather elements that children can play in. [Insert den building photos]. The winter weather will mean that outdoor resources can often become wet, blown around and damp. Therefore, it helps to choose resources that will withstand harsh weather such as chalkboards instead of paper when children want to mark make.

The winter months provide a completely different sensory experience that some children may not have been exposed to before. Through the eyes of the child, there are so many magical opportunities that educators can explore with the children. For example, icicles, frozen puddles, intricate cobwebs or a frosty lawn. I hope you and the children enjoy wrapping up warm and embracing the cold this year!